The Bankrupt Island That Broke the Global Economy

In the 1980s, the tiny Pacific island of Nauru was the wealthiest nation on Earth per capita. Today, it’s a bankrupt, ecological wasteland that sold its soul to the Russian underworld. We uncover the $70 billion money-laundering scheme orchestrated from a single wooden post office box, the catastrophic Wall Street loophole that made it possible, and the tragic downfall of a nation that quite literally mined itself out of existence.

What is The Takedown?

Every transaction leaves a trace. On Takedown, we investigate the financial crimes that shape our world—and ruin lives. We bring you deep-dive documentaries and breaking investigative news on fraud, money laundering, and corporate greed. If you want to understand how the dark side of global finance really operates, you’re in the right place.